Back in the Ring

This past weekend Zephyr and I started back to the trial field with our first agility trial since his surgery to remove a cancer tumour last year. Three out four runs clean!
I have dropped him down to 16" Double Drop Veterans even though the 22" probably would not be an issue just to be on the safe side as he had a fair amount of tissue removed from his chest. (He used to run 26" regular when he was younger). He is running well, SO happy, still fast and no soreness or stiffness after. We will enter a few more trials this winter and spring and then head to regionals the end of May and see how he holds up over 3 days.
I wasn't even sure if he would be able to walk normally last year let alone do agility again....amazing. I'm just happy he's alive but this is just a bonus for us both!

Happy Birthday Zephyr!

Zephyr turns 9 years old today! He is feeling good and happy! After thinking I might lose him to cancer last year, this birthday feels extra special!

Regionals Photos

I finally got around to ordering my photos from the 2010 AAC Regionals. All photos were from Len Silvester at TTL Photos, he always does a super job! The last photo of Zephyr and his spit over the A-frame is one of my all time favorites of him doing agility, it makes me laugh!!!

All That's In There

I've just had the great fortune of getting a 30 generation pedigree on my dogs and all the stats. on the inbreeding in their lines. Just out of interest as my dogs are not breeding dogs. But isn't it interesting to think of all the dogs that came before yours and how their genes affect your dogs.

Thank you to Chris over at Border Wars for this and the great conversation about borders collies and breeding.

If you have never read his blog you really should as he has MANY very thought provoking articles about border collies, breeding and the culture surrounding them. Lots of food for thought.

Fun In The Snow!

Zephyr just loves the snow! To run and play in it, he wants to be out there all the time!He doesn't even seem to mind the frozen whiskers and snow covered face He loves to play fetch anytime of the year even in the snow, having to dig it out of drifts.

Of course Zen never gets a turn unless I take the ball from Zephyr and give it to her....which I do :) Zephyr is very patient, for the most part following her around (she LOVES gettng him to chase her, as it's the only way he'll play and pay attention to her). When he's had enough of this game he'll put the pressure on and she'll spit the ball, making him happy once again!!

Victory!!

52 Weeks of Zephyr

Happy New Year to everyone! A morning shot of Zephyr when we finally had some sun! I am thankful that 2011 is here and I am hoping it will be a better year than last. Last year was dealing with loss and health issues for our dogs. I guess I should be happy that it is the first year in so many of owning dogs that we've had all these issues to deal with. Nothing short of stressful both on an emotional and financial level.
Anyway one good thing that did come out of it all is a year long photography project that I did with Zephyr. One photo taken each week to represent that week. Often the photos were not the best ones that I took of him, but they spoke of that time. It was a hard project at times to push on with in light of our struggles but I'm glad I did. Here is a slideshow of it...enjoy!! SLIDESHOW

Flattering

I was contacted this week to have an old photo of Zephyr published in a book. As much as it was flattering, for various reasons I declined. This was the photo.

Other than that winter is here, the dogs don't mind however as long as we still get out for our daily hikes!
Also today was Chase's birthday. I know it is not good to dwell, which I'm not too much, only remembering. It's only been 6 months and of course I still miss him!